SMALL firms in Huntingdonshire hope to benefit from a 16-point accord signed by their district council, promising greater and wider consultation – formally and informally – with the business community. The Federation of Small Businesses hopes the improved

SMALL firms in Huntingdonshire hope to benefit from a 16-point accord signed by their district council, promising greater and wider consultation - formally and informally - with the business community.

The Federation of Small Businesses hopes the improved dialogue will help the council to take account of commercial imperatives in its decision-making process.

In return the council hopes business owners will understand why decisions have been taken.

The FSB in Huntingdonshire, whose chairman Malcolm Lyons (foreground, right) signed the accord on Tuesday at HDC's Castle Hill House, has been pressing the council for years to make it easier for local small companies to provide goods and services to the council and other public bodies.

The other signatories were, from left, Councillor John Davies, HDC chairman, council leader Councillor Ian Bates and the FSB's Michael Mealing.